The awards, which go to the best defensive player at each position, no matter the league, are based on a mix of scouting and Sabermetric analysis. This year, the one for catcher went to St. Louis Cardinals backstop Yadier Molina, who won from 2007 to 2010, before Wieters picked up his first last year.

The Orioles' participation in the 2012 playoffs wasn't just surprising; it was illuminating. It demonstrated how far the club had come this year and also what it needs to do to get back to the postseason -- and last longer -- in 2013. No one -- at least no one whose paycheck doesn't have a...